Women and girls are most likely to be affected by eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, compared to 11% of men and boys having these conditions.

A teenager with anorexia refuses to maintain a normal body weight. Someone with bulimia has repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compulsive behaviours such as vomiting or the use of laxatives to remove the food.

People with bulimia go through cycles of eating enormous amounts of foods followed by purging - by vomiting, laxative use, diuretics or hours of aerobic exercise.

What causes eating disorders in teenagers?

There is no one cause of an eating disorder. Experts link eating disorders to a combination of factors, such as family relationships, psychological problems and genetics. The teen may have low self-esteem and be preoccupied with having a thin body.

Sometimes, being part of a sport such as ballet, gymnastics or running, where being lean is encouraged, is associated with eating disorders in teens. In one study, researchers linked anorexia with an obsession with perfectionism -- concern over mistakes, high personal standards, and parental expectations and criticism.

Teens with eating disorders are often in denial that anything is wrong. They may be moody, anxious, depressed. They may withdraw from friends, and become overly sensitive to criticism. The problem arises when parents are not aware of these symptoms because the teen keeps them hidden -- just like the trauma, insecurities, depression, or low self-esteem that may help trigger the disorder.

How are eating disorders in teens treated?

There is no easy treatment for treating eating disorders.

A combination of treatments, including cognitive behavioural therapy and antidepressantmedication, is most likely to help teens overcome bulimia. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps by identifying and replacing inaccurate thoughts to help change behavioural and emotional state.

Because anorexia is an extremely serious problem, the treatment usually involves nutritional feeding, medical monitoring and psychological treatment.

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